A Semester in Montpellier July 22, 2026
By Isabelle L (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2026 to 05/24/2026 with
University of Minnesota: Youth Development & Psychology in France
I would definitely say that my time abroad was worthwhile, and I gained many new lifelong friends and experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the program staff were eager to assist with any matter of issues, whether it was going to see a doctor or needing to call the emergency line at night, they were always able to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Before coming abroad, I knew this program was a great academic fit for me, as I would be able to continue studying Psychology and French. After my experience, I would say that I'd definitely choose it again because of my own personal experiences throughout the program. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | B2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | One of the best ways to practice the language is to do so naturally, so going to cafes often or other public spaces where you're surrounded by the language is very beneficial |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This didn't really affect me much, but I would say that if you are looking for a program that is more immersive with local students, you don't really get that with the Youth Development & Psych program since all the classes are in the program center, which is small. Most of other students who studied abroad that I had talked to before I went abroad had classes at a local university, which is different from this program. However, even without having classes at a local university with local students, there were still definitely other ways to meet and interact with native speakers, so if that is your goal, it is still feasible, and I would recommend this program if you think it's a good fit. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
